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Chinese fighter jet 'made unsafe intercept of US plane'

The US military says a Chinese jet has carried out an "unsafe intercept" of one of its planes in international airspace. After a similar incident last month, the US warned China against establishing an air defense zone.

US Pacific Command said on Tuesday that a Chinese J-10 fighter had carried out an "unsafe intercept" of a US spy plane in international airspace over the East China Sea.

Two Chinese fighter jets flew near to the US Air Force RC-135 reconnaissance plane, said Pacific Command. The US plane was reported to have been on a routine mission.

"One of the intercepting Chinese jets had an unsafe excessive rate of closure on the RC-135 aircraft."

"Initial assessment is that this seems to be a case of improper airmanship, as no other provocative or unsafe maneuvers occurred," the statement said, without giving details as to exactly how close the Chinese jet came to the spy plane.

Pacific Command said the Department of Defense was addressing the issue with China "in appropriate diplomatic and military channels."

'Provocative and destabilizing'

The incident was the second such intercept in the past month, after at least two Chinese J-11 tactical aircraft

US Secretary of State John Kerry said earlier this week that the United States would consider any attempt by Beijing to establish an "air defense identification zone" (ADIZ) over the South China Sea to be a "provocative and destabilizing act."

US officials have expressed concern that China might declare such a zone as it awaits to outcome of an international court case brought by the Philippines against China.

In 2013, amid a dispute over islands also claimed by US ally Japan, China declared an air defense zone over the East China Sea.

China has claimed most of the South China Sea, with overlapping claims from the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei.

John Kerry warned China that it should settle territorial disputes peacefully and based on "rule of law." Beijing countered that the US should not concern itself with matters so distant from its own shores.

rc/bw (dpa, Reuters)

Beijing's island-building in the South China Sea

Runway

China is expanding the construction of its facilities on Fiery Cross Reef. Provided by the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI), this June 28, 2015 photo reveals Beijing has nearly completed a 3,000 meter (9,800-foot) airstrip, long enough to accommodate most Chinese military aircraft. Two helipads, up to 10 satellite communications antennas, and one possible radar tower are also visible.

Beijing's island-building in the South China Sea

Expansion

Reclamation on Fiery Cross Reef, which lies on the west side of the Spratly Islands, began in August of 2014 and its principal landmass was finished by November. Dredgers have created a land mass that spans the entire existing reef and is approximately 3,000 meters long and 200-300 meters wide.

Beijing's island-building in the South China Sea

Facilities

This picture taken last November shows construction work being carried out on Fiery Cross Reef. The reef reportedly already houses a helicopter landing pad, a 300-meter-long wharf, a harbor large enough to dock military tankers, barracks and artillery emplacements.

Beijing's island-building in the South China Sea

South Johnson Reef

This reef was one of the first facilities to finish principal land reclamation. This recent picture shows that a radar tower is nearing completion at the north end of the land mass. According to AMTI, a new large multi-level military facility has been built in the center of the island. Up to six surveillance towers are being constructed alongside four possible weapons towers.

Beijing's island-building in the South China Sea

A naval base?

Beginning in early 2015, Mischief Reef - also located in the Spratlys - has undergone extensive reclamation activity. Experts say that the recent widening of the southern entrance to the reef, coupled with sightings of Chinese navy vessels, may suggest a future role for the reclaimed reef as a naval base. Taken on March 17, this image shows a chain of small land formations at the reef.

Beijing's island-building in the South China Sea

From reef to island

Significant construction on Gaven Reef began in 2014, with a total of 114,000 square meters of land already created. Satellite pictures show just how fast construction has progressed on the reef. A new artificial island was created between March (left) and August (right) 2014.

Beijing's island-building in the South China Sea

Troop garrison

According to AMTI, China has had a troop garrison on Gaven Reef since 2003, which has included a large supply platform where ships can dock. Experts say a new main square building in the reef appears to be an anti-aircraft tower.

Beijing's island-building in the South China Sea

A standardized process

As seen in this image, the basic process of expanding these features involves dredging sand from the seafloor and dumping it onto the reefs. The structure is raised above the high water line, hiding the status of the bank or reef beneath. The sand is then smoothed out and workers surround the island with a concrete barrier to protect against erosion and storm surge, and begin construction.

Beijing's island-building in the South China Sea

'Historic rights'

China claims most of the potentially energy-rich waterway, through which $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year. The US Pacific Fleet commander recently said China was "creating a great wall of sand" in the South China Sea, causing serious concerns about its territorial intentions. Beijing argues it is asserting its so-called "historic rights" to maritime resources in the area.

Beijing's island-building in the South China Sea

Territorial disputes

The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also have overlapping claims, which have led to territorial disputes in the area. Last summer, China's deployment of a massive oil rig in waters also claimed by Hanoi escalated tensions in the region, sparking a standoff at sea and violent anti-Chinese demonstrations in Vietnam.

Beijing's island-building in the South China Sea

US concerns

Washington is concerned China's efforts carry a military dimension that could undermine the US' naval and economic power in the Pacific, and has weighed sending warships and surveillance aircraft within 12 nautical miles of the new artificial islands. Washington has repeatedly called on Beijing and others to end reclamation projects in the disputed waters, but Beijing rejects those demands.

Beijing's island-building in the South China Sea

Ecological impact

The Philippines filed a formal plea at the UN last year, challenging Beijing's territorial claims. Manila said China's reclamation activities are causing "irreversible and widespread damage to the biodiversity and ecological balance of the South China Sea." It also claimed that the destruction of coral reef systems is estimated to cause economic losses valued at $100 million annually.